Patents Assigned to Rockwell Collins
  • Publication number: 20240151800
    Abstract: A system may include a receiver node. The receiver node may include a communications interface and a controller. The receiver node is time synchronized with a transmitter node to apply Doppler corrections to the receiver node's own motions relative to a common reference frame. The receiver node may be configured to: The receiver node may be configured to: based at least on the receiver node being time synchronized with the transmitter node to apply Doppler corrections and the common reference frame, use Doppler null scanning (DNS) to determine DNS derived information, the DNS derived information including a bearing and the receiver node's relative position relative to the transmitter node; and output a position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution based at least on the DNS derived information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Stevens, Matthew D. Bousselot, Douglas P. Burch, Tj T. Kwon, William B. Sorsby, Eric J. Loren, Joseph T. Graf
  • Publication number: 20240151890
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image, including: an input image node configured to provide at least a first and a second image modulated lights; and a holographic waveguide device configured to propagate the at least one of the first and second image modulated lights in at least a first direction. The holographic waveguide device includes: at least a first and second interspersed multiplicities of grating elements disposed in at least one layer, the first and second grating elements having respectively a first and a second prescriptions. The first and second multiplicity of grating elements are configured to deflect respectively the first and second image modulated lights out of the at least one layer into respectively a first and a second multiplicities of output rays forming respectively a first and second FOV tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicants: DigiLens Inc., Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Momcilo Popovich, Jonathan David Waldern, Alastair John Grant, Wyatt L. Hendrick, James H. Stanley
  • Patent number: 11979679
    Abstract: A system for merging a plurality of image sources into a single image stream defines a predistortion image mask for each source. Each mask defines a distorted image space to account for distortion in the display optics, and indicates a region or regions in the desired output image where one merge method should be used versus another (e.g., overlay vs. replace). Each source mask may have a separate level of granularity according to the requirements of the included image and corresponding distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Hansen, Michael A. Ropers
  • Patent number: 11979203
    Abstract: A set of stators of a linear induction motor are mounted on a track. A three-phase current is provided to each of the stators, such that a traveling magnetic field (TMF) is created by the stators along the length of the track. The traveling magnetic field includes a magnetic flux corresponding to a stator excitation modulated with a message signal. A rotor includes a series of conductor plates. As the traveling magnetic field passes through the conductor plates, a current is induced in the plates by induction. Such current then generates an opposing magnetic field causing the plates and the vehicle to be propelled. Each phase may first be modulated with a message signal, before being provided to the stator. The current at the rotor is then demodulated to realize the message signal. A doppler shift due to the speed of the rotor relative to the stator is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Laveen Vikram Sundararaj, Sheetal Kumar
  • Patent number: 11975841
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a biomedically actuated occupant restraint system includes an occupant restraint system for a vehicle, the occupant restraint system having a locked position and an unlocked position. The biomedically actuated occupant restraint system further includes an occupant monitoring system operably connected to the occupant restraint system, the occupant monitoring system configured for monitoring a plurality of physiological conditions of an occupant of the vehicle. The occupant monitoring system includes a biometric sensor module including a plurality of physiological sensors configured for measuring a plurality of physiological conditions of the occupant and asserting a plurality of sensor signals, and a controller configured to receive the plurality of sensor signals and determine whether the occupant is incapacitated. The controller being configured to send a command to lock the occupant restraint system in response to determining the occupant is incapacitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve A. Holstine, Ken Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11977173
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system may include a receiver or transmitter node. The receiver or transmitter node may include a communications interface with an antenna element and a controller. The controller may include one or more processors and have information of own node velocity and own node orientation relative to a common reference frame. The receiver or transmitter node may be time synchronized to apply Doppler corrections to signals, the Doppler corrections associated with the receiver or transmitter node's own motions relative to the common reference frame, the Doppler corrections applied using Doppler null steering along Null directions. The receiver node is configured to determine a parameter of the signals and an authenticity of the signals based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Loren, Tj T. Kwon, James A. Stevens, William B. Sorsby
  • Patent number: 11978334
    Abstract: A system may include a vehicle. The vehicle may include an array of haptic devices. The system may further include at least one processor configured to: determine a location of an object or occurrence relative to the user; based at least on the location of the object or occurrence relative to the user, select at least one haptic device of the array of haptic devices to be driven and function as a directional haptic alert to the user, wherein the directional haptic alert is indicative of a direction from the user toward the object or occurrence; and output at least one command to cause a driving of the selected at least one haptic device, wherein the driving of the selected at least one haptic device is perceivable by the user as the directional haptic alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Arjun Harsha Rao, Timothy J. Wittkop, Christopher L George, Michael P. Matessa, Peggy Wu, Wade T. Johnson, Sarah Barber, Felix B. Turcios, Bryan C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11978346
    Abstract: A system includes a radio configured to transmit and receive voice transmissions to and from air traffic control (ATC), the radio installed onboard an aircraft. The system includes a processor communicatively coupled to the radio and installed onboard the aircraft. The processor is configured to: receive an ATC voice command via the radio; transcribe the ATC voice command into an ATC command; and when the ATC command includes an aircraft identification associated with the aircraft, categorize the ATC command into components, each of the components being categorized based on a criticality level associated with said component, wherein the criticality level is or is associated with a required accuracy confidence level of transcribed speech for a given component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Shapiro, Katarina Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 11971728
    Abstract: A hierarchical modular arbitration architecture for a mobile platform guidance system is disclosed. In embodiments, the architecture comprises a hierarchy of arbitration layers, each arbitration layer narrower in scope than the layer above (e.g., mission objective arbitrators, route arbitrators, path arbitrators). Each arbitration layer includes one or more objective-based arbitrators in communication with one or more applications or modes. Each arbitrator receives control input (e.g., from the pilot, from aircraft sensors) and control signals from the level above, selecting a mode to make active based on decision agents within the arbitrator layer which control mode priorities and sequencing (e.g., some flight objectives may involve multiple arbitrators and their subject applications coordinating in sequence).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Lempia, Jack Jordan, Bryan M. Krawiec, John D. Anderson, Amy Lindaman, Christopher M. Boggs
  • Patent number: 11973524
    Abstract: A radio receiver system and a radio transmitter system are disclosed. The radio receiver system comprises a plurality of intermediate frequency (IF) shifting channels configured to shift incoming signals having a first frequency to an intermediate frequency in a first mixing stage, and to a second frequency in a second mixing stage. The radio transmitter system comprises a plurality of IF shifting channels configured to shift outgoing signals having a first frequency to an intermediate frequency in a first mixing stage, and to a second frequency in a second mixing stage. Since each intermediate frequency is different, the signals shifted to the second frequency combine by coherent addition, and any spurious signals combine by incoherent addition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Meholensky, Robert D. Pond
  • Patent number: 11960644
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring operator intent by detecting operator focus incorporates cameras positioned within a cockpit or control space of a vehicle and oriented at an operator of the vehicle. The cameras capture images of the operator in a control seat; the images are analyzed (either individually or sequentially) to determine a gaze and/or body pose of the operator (including, e.g., a position and orientation of the torso and limbs). By comparing the determined gaze and/or body pose to the positions and orientations of potential focus targets within the control space (e.g., windows, display units, and/or control panels that the operator may engage with visually and/or physically), the system predicts the most likely future focus target or targets: what the operator is most likely to visually and/or physically engage with next. Operator intent may be further analyzed to identify potentially abnormal or anomalous behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy Wu, Ahmad F. Osman
  • Patent number: 11960693
    Abstract: A resistive touch sensor includes a base layer, a sensor top sheet positioned in spaced apart relation to a base layer, and a peripheral edge seal formed between the sensor top sheet and the base layer. The sensor further includes a first adhesive layer bonded on a peripheral edge portion to the sensor top sheet, and a second adhesive layer, inset relative to the peripheral edge seal, positioned between the first adhesive layer and the sensor top sheet. The second adhesive layer is bonded on one side to the first adhesive layer and an opposing side to the sensor top sheet corresponding to a portion of a touch active area. The second adhesive layer causes a planarity change in the sensor top sheet proximate the peripheral edge seal thereby increasing the usable area and improving uniformity of touch force across the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron T McCalley, Alyssa A. Groth
  • Patent number: 11953617
    Abstract: A system and method for a multi-panel multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a plurality of AESA panels fixed (at variable azimuth/elevation about the aircraft) into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the and individual AESA are designated for use and the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the designated AESA, subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple simultaneous function of the suite of AESA panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob G. Teague, Venkata A. Sishtla, Jiwon L Moran, James B. West
  • Patent number: 11953921
    Abstract: A system may include a user interface and a processor. The processor may be configured to (a) pre-arm multiple actions according to a conditional timeline and any associated trigger events, and (b) output commands to cause the multiple actions to be completed at times consistent with the conditional timeline and any associated trigger events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Krenz
  • Patent number: 11954770
    Abstract: A system may include a computer readable medium and a processor communicatively coupled to the computer readable medium. The processor may be configured to: obtain a graphical image file, the graphical image file including an image, wherein the image includes a portion including textual characters, wherein each textual character of the textual characters is formed of line segments; and convert the graphical image file to at least one file including hardware directives that when executed cause a recreation of the image of the graphical image file to be drawn, wherein a size of the at least one file is smaller than the graphical image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff M. Henry, Reed A. Kovach, Todd E. Miller, Jason L. Wong
  • Patent number: 11953581
    Abstract: A radar system receives threat relevant data with pulses sufficiently separated to provide sufficient long-range imaging, analyzes the return data to identify features of the threat, and generate a second set of pulses to acquire more detailed, higher granularity data specific to the threat. The system may include an ESA that is configured for pulses in a higher frequency to acquire higher resolution data specific to the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob G. Teague, Venkata A. Sishtla
  • Publication number: 20240109661
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a biomedically actuated occupant restraint system includes an occupant restraint system for a vehicle, the occupant restraint system having a locked position and an unlocked position. The biomedically actuated occupant restraint system further includes an occupant monitoring system operably connected to the occupant restraint system, the occupant monitoring system configured for monitoring a plurality of physiological conditions of an occupant of the vehicle. The occupant monitoring system includes a biometric sensor module including a plurality of physiological sensors configured for measuring a plurality of physiological conditions of the occupant and asserting a plurality of sensor signals, and a controller configured to receive the plurality of sensor signals and determine whether the occupant is incapacitated. The controller being configured to send a command to lock the occupant restraint system in response to determining the occupant is incapacitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve A. Holstine, Ken Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11948466
    Abstract: A system and method for automation of flight functions across an aircraft cockpit provides an open systems architecture to meet next generation mission capabilities for increased aircrew effectiveness. A mission reasoner (MR) receives inputs from a vehicle health system, mission phase analysis, and external assets (wingmen) to build a decision network based on a knowledge database providing a decision aid to automate flight functions across the cockpit. The MR reduces crew workload by providing an automated decision aid and increased situational awareness of own ship aircraft and cooperating nearby vehicle health status relating to a phase of mission success. The MR provides predictive decisions and alternative actions to complete one or more desired mission objectives and determines predictive maintenance and future failures to optimize condition-based maintenance and reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela N. Dunlay, Matthew M. Lorch, Subhashish Chakravarty, Jaclyn A Hoke, Bernard Dion
  • Patent number: 11947043
    Abstract: A system may include an optical phased array, a photodiode array, and a radiofrequency (RF) antenna element array. The optical phased array may be configured to: receive a laser signal from a signal laser; and output an optical beam. Each photodiode may be configured to: receive at least a portion of the optical beam and at least a portion of an optical plane wave beam, wherein the optical plane wave beam is formed based at least on a local oscillator (LO) laser that outputs a laser beam having a different wavelength from the signal laser; and output an electronic signal based on the at least the portion of the optical beam and the at least a portion of the optical plane wave beam. The RF antenna element array may be configured to output an RF beam based on received electronic signals from the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver S. King, Ronald D. Esman
  • Patent number: 11948855
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package comprises a substrate having an outer portion close to the perimeter of the substrate, an inner portion surrounded by the outer portion, and an upper surface incorporating a wiring layer for the bonding of a semiconducting die (e.g., via its bottom face). The IC package includes a metallic or otherwise thermally conductive heat spreader thermally bonded on an inner surface of a boss on its bottom side to the top surface of the semiconducting die, and extending on its top surface to the edges of the substrate to maximize heat dissipation from the die. The boss extends toward the semiconducting die and is thermally coupled to the top face of the semiconducting die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret W. Simon, Jacob R. Mauermann, Mark T. Dimke, Kaitlyn M. Fisher